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Food at McDonald’s that’s not as fresh as you think
Fast-food giant McDonald’s has long been the go-to place for quick and affordable meals. But when it comes to freshness, the menu has a few surprises in store. While McDonald’s has made efforts to improve the quality of ingredients and offer more fresh options, there are still some items that may not be as fresh as you might expect. Let’s take a closer look at these revelations.
Two-week-old Happy Meal apple slices
When McDonald’s introduced apple slices to its Happy Meals as a healthier alternative, it had a significant impact on the industry. But those pre-washed, skinless, bagged apple slices may have a longer shelf life than you’d think. Thanks to a blend of calcium and vitamin C called calcium ascorbate, these apple slices can stay fresh for up to 14 days. They may be a healthier choice than French fries, but they’re still not exactly “fresh.
The beef on most menus
While McDonald’s has begun using fresh, never-frozen beef in some of its burgers, such as the Signature Crafted sandwiches and the classic Quarter Pounder lineup, not all of its burgers get the same treatment. The hamburger patties used in many other menu items still arrive frozen and are cooked without thawing first. This can result in underseasoned, watery, and washed-out beef that may sit in warming drawers for some time before being assembled into your burger.
The fries that might have been made a while ago
McDonald’s fries are a beloved staple for many customers, but their freshness can be a hit or miss. According to McDonald’s UK, the fries are only kept for five minutes after frying before any leftovers are discarded and a new batch is started. However, it’s not uncommon to receive fries that have been sitting for longer than that. Scientific tests have shown that McDonald’s French fries quickly lose their quality within minutes of cooking. So it’s best to enjoy them fresh out of the fryer.
Who knows when these salads will expire?
McDonald’s salads may seem like a healthier option, but they come with their own set of concerns. Aside from the high calorie and fat content, there’s also the issue of freshness. Reddit users have shared stories of employees extending the shelf life of salads by placing new expiration date stickers on top of the old ones. This practice makes it difficult to determine exactly how long a salad has been sitting around. They may not be visibly spoiled, but their freshness remains uncertain.
The McNuggets could stay under the warmer for a while.
McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets have gained a reputation for their resilience. They can remain edible even after sitting under the warmer for an extended period of time. A former McDonald’s employee claimed that when the timer goes off, indicating that the nuggets have been sitting too long, employees often reset the timer instead of making fresh nuggets. While the truth of this claim may vary, it’s worth considering if you prefer your nuggets as fresh as possible.
Hotcakes arrive frozen
Despite the image of energetic teenagers preparing fresh hotcakes behind the counter, the reality is quite different. McDonald’s Canada confirms that their hotcakes arrive frozen in a cardboard box and are stored in the freezer. They are then microwaved at the customer’s request. While this process ensures efficiency and product consistency, it sacrifices the element of freshness.
Folded eggs are made from a mix and arrive pre-cooked.
McDonald’s offers several types of eggs in its breakfast items, and not all of them are freshly cracked. The scrambled eggs used in McGriddles, biscuit and bagel sandwiches are made from liquid eggs. These eggs are cooked and quick-frozen off-site and contain various additives for color and texture. Scrambled eggs used in breakfast plates are also made from liquid eggs, but are cooked in the restaurant. The only eggs that are freshly cracked in the restaurant are the “round eggs” used in some McMuffins.
While McDonald’s has made efforts to improve the quality and freshness of its ingredients, it’s important to understand that not every item on the menu meets the same standards. Whether it’s the longevity of apple slices, the use of frozen beef, or the uncertainty surrounding salads, customers should consider their choices when seeking the freshest options available. It’s always a good idea to ask about preparation methods or choose menu items that are known for their freshness.
FAQS
Yes, the apple slices in McDonald’s Happy Meals may be a healthier choice than French fries, but they are not exactly “fresh”. These pre-washed, skinless, bagged apple slices have a shelf life of about 14 days thanks to a blend of calcium and vitamin C called calcium ascorbate.
Does McDonald’s use fresh beef in all of its burgers?
No, McDonald’s only uses fresh, never frozen beef in some of its burgers, such as the Signature Crafted sandwiches and the classic Quarter Pounder lineup. Other menu items still use hamburger patties that arrive frozen and are cooked without thawing. This can result in underseasoned, watery and washed-out beef.
How long do McDonald’s fries sit before being served?
According to McDonald’s UK, the fries are held for just five minutes after frying before any leftovers are discarded and a new batch is started. However, it’s not uncommon to receive fries that have been sitting for longer than this, resulting in a reduction in quality and freshness.
Are McDonald’s salads always fresh?
The freshness of McDonald’s salads can be questionable. Some Reddit users have shared stories of employees extending the shelf life of salads by placing new expiration date stickers on top of the old ones. This practice makes it difficult to determine exactly how long a salad has been sitting around. They may not be visibly spoiled, but their freshness remains uncertain.
Do McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets sit under the warmer for a long time?
There have been claims that McDonald’s employees sometimes reset the timer for Chicken McNuggets instead of making fresh ones when the timer goes off, indicating that the nuggets have been sitting too long. While the truth of this claim may vary, it’s worth considering if you prefer your McNuggets as fresh as possible.
Are McDonald’s hotcakes made fresh?
No, McDonald’s hotcakes actually arrive frozen in a carton and are stored in the freezer. They are then microwaved at the customer’s order. While this process ensures efficiency and product consistency, it sacrifices the element of freshness.